Watch Variety

The 1983 film, Variety, is a gritty and realistic portrayal of a young woman's journey of self-discovery in the bustling world of New York's Times Square. The film follows Christine (played by Sandy McLeod), a recent college graduate who is struggling to find her place in the world. She is tired of her mundane job as a ticket-taker at a small theater and wants to experience more of what the city has to offer.

One day, she meets a charismatic and enigmatic man named Louie (played by Will Patton) who introduces her to the world of adult cinema. Louie is a distributor of pornography and Christine ends up working as a cashier at one of his theaters. At first, Christine is uncomfortable with this new world she has entered, but she slowly becomes more intrigued and drawn into the gritty and erotic world of adult movies.

The film explores topics such as sexual desire, power dynamics, and the exploitation of women in the adult film industry. Christine's journey is complex and nuanced, and the film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of her experiences. As she becomes more involved in the porn industry, Christine must grapple with her own desires and how they conflict with her feminist ideals.

Parallel to Christine's journey is her relationship with her boyfriend, Eric (played by Richard M. Davidson). Eric is a writer who is struggling to finish his first novel. He is supportive of Christine's ambitions, but he is also threatened by her growing independence and her affiliation with Louie and the world of adult cinema.

The film is beautifully shot and captures the gritty, neon-lit atmosphere of 1980s New York. The cinematography is intimate and immersive, transporting the viewer into Christine's world. The film also features a fantastic soundtrack that perfectly captures the feeling of 80s New York.

Overall, Variety is a compelling and thought-provoking film that explores complex themes and features stunning performances from its leads. The film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the porn industry, but it also doesn't judge its characters for their choices. Instead, it presents a nuanced and complex portrait of a young woman trying to find her way in the world.

Variety is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.